Invasion: Star Runners Universe

By L.E. Thomas

Nat Hodges' life as he knew it ended the day the Zahl Empire invaded his world, Tarrafa.

Sweeping through the initial defenses in a matter of days, the Zahl destroy everything Nat had ever known. Traditions and customs are outlawed.

Living in a homeworld occupied by an oppressive force, Nat faces the choice of fighting a seemingly hopeless battle for the past or succumbing to the overwhelming power of the future.

A brand new entry point novel in the Star Runners Universe, Invasion is the gripping tale of one young man's experience when an unstoppable armada from another world decimates his planet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shadow Max Publishing
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393133353

L.E. Thomas

L.E. Thomas lives in the Appalchian Mountains in the southern United States with his wife and rescued dog. He is currently working on his next novel. 

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

We have to go!

Nat Hodges looked up from the digi-glass projecting the latest report from Atheron. His father stood in his bedroom's doorway, sweat glistening down his slender face blotched with red spots.

What's going on?

Lunging forward, Kad swiped the glass from his son's hands and grabbed the teenager tight on both shoulders.

You have to trust me, he said, plunging his fingers into Nat’s shoulder muscles. We have to leave. His face tightened. Where's your sister?

Nat shook his head, his mind struggling to catch up after a long day of lessons. I don't know. She hasn't come home yet.

His father's lips parted as a distant explosion rumbled. The old Oshua Overlords action figures from Nat's childhood rattled where they lined the bookshelves. The star of the team, Fredricks Von Braun, toppled onto the floor, his plastic helmet spinning around on the wood.

Releasing Nat from his vice-like grip, Kad hurried to the window and swept back the curtains. The afternoon sunlight beamed through. Nat squinted as he joined his father, his eyes fixated on the sight of the Oshua Capital, Greeva, in flames. Tracer fire streaked the air, filling the air above the skyline with laser blasts.

But ... what? Nat breathed, unable to say more.

Fighter jets of some kind soared across the cityscape, crimson laser blasts spitting from the wings. Bombs fell. Emerald laser fire sprayed skyward across the bay, missing the attackers. They pulled up as a tall plume of smoke and flame shot into the air, their horseshoe shape glistening in the sunlight. A concussion wave rippled through the buildings. Fires raged in the streets of Greeva.

Kad draped his arm over his son's shoulder. We have to leave.

Who are they?

Doesn't matter. Let's go.

What should I bring?

No time for that. He typed into his phone and placed it to his ear, his face turning a shade of red. Damn it. Network's still busy.

As Kad tried the phone again, Nat stared out the window. Incredible red beams shot down from the blue sky in the distance, clouds sweeping away from the immense energy. A mushroom cloud appeared over the horizon, rising into the atmosphere. More blasts fell, pounding the ground on the far side of Greeva Bay where the military base stood. He spent most of his life dreaming about serving on the base now burning on the horizon. He couldn't move. It was as if the window had a magnetic pull, drawing him to the chaotic scene unfolding in his hometown.

His mind raced in a desperate search for answers.

Did they finally attack? he asked, remembering his lessons of the Oshua-Ceroq wars of both his grandfathers.

It doesn't matter, Kad said, pulling him from the window. We have to go!

When Kad released him, Nat stood at the foot of his bed looking over his bedroom. Bookshelves were lined with old collectibles he didn't want the other seventeen-year-olds to know he still had and history books filled with action tales of mythical heroes of Oshua. Over his bed hung a full-color poster of the colony on Atheron, the place his parents had promised to send him on vacation for his eighteenth birthday. He sighed. They had moved him here when he was just a baby. His sister, Tressa, remembered their first house. He didn't.

Nat! Kad barked from downstairs. Come on!

Taking one last look, Nat hurried out. Kad saw him following and spun on his heel, thrusting open the coat closet with his free hand. He plunged inside, grabbing the heavy coats they had used on their ski trip last winter.

What are you doing? Nat asked just as another explosion—closer this time—rocked the foundation of the house. Picture frames rattled, the fine dishes in the dining room rumbling.

Kad pulled out two silver coats and tossed them to Nat. For you and your sister.

But where are we going?

No questions now! He raised his index finger toward Nat. You have to trust me.

But who are they?

He turned back to the closet and pulled out two more coats. It doesn't matter now. All that matters is your Ma and sister. Understood?

But—

Enough!

How could those attackers send laser blasts from the sky?

Kad grabbed the keys to the car from the hook near the garage door. They must have a battle station in orbit, or they sent that attack from Atheron.

Nat gasped. They've attacked Atheron?

I don't know, he said, gesturing toward the vehicle with the top down as he tossed the coats in the backseat. I was at work when I heard the news. Most of us left right away.

Nat climbed into the front seat, his mind still struggling to comprehend what was happening. I don't understand. If it's not Ceroq, who would attack Oshua?

Kad's brow lowered as he pounded the garage opener to make the operation faster. The old pulley slowly raised the door.

It's not just Oshua, Kad said.

Nat blinked. What do you mean?

It's Tarrafa.

He shook his head. The entire planet?

Yes.

Are you sure?

That's what the news said. He paused, staring through the windshield to the garage wall. Atheron was struck first. The enemy came for Tarrafa soon after, demanding a planetary surrender.

Nat swallowed. What happened?

Oshua and other nations refused. He looked at him. Then they attacked, and I came to find you.

Nat looked at his coat. Where are we going?

Grandpa's cabin is two hours away, he said, slamming the car into reverse. We get Tressa and Ma. Then, we get out of town.

Before Nat could respond, Kad slammed on the gas, the wheels squealing as the car moved into the light and down the driveway. The road filled with panicked neighbors and discarded luggage. Weaving through the vehicles and pedestrians, Kad accelerated through the chaos. The Beezles next door stood immobile on their front lawn, husband and wife staring into the sky with mouths agape. The Franklins herded their three young children into the van, the youngest boy jumping with excitement and pointing toward Greeva. Mrs. Franklin scooped him up and tossed him into the van. Nat followed the boys' stare.

Two more enemy fighter planes zipped overhead. A pursuing Oshua copter appeared to the South, its repeating lasers filling the sky with green bolts. The enemy fighters broke formation, splitting into opposite directions. Forced to choose, the Oshua copter banked to focus its fire on one of the enemy fighters.

But they were too quick.

The second fighter, flashing across the sky so fast that Nat struggled to keep his eye on it, moved in behind the copter. Two seconds later, the fighter blasted raging crimson fire, laser bolts obliterating the copter's tail. With its stabilizer in flames, the copter twirled in a fiery spin to the ground. It exploded at the far end of the street, engulfing four homes in the cul-de-sac in a wave of flame.

Da! Nat screamed, watching the fighters streaking across the sky at impossible speeds.

I see it! he barked. Put your seatbelt on!

Nat did as instructed, yanking left and right as they drove like madmen through the neighborhood. Two vans blocked the street ahead, families hurling valuables into the back.

But Kad didn't slow. Instead, he accelerated.

Bracing himself, Nat gripped his seat with both hands, wondering if his father had lost his mind.

Kad swerved left and hopped the curb. The car bounced onto the immaculate lawn, spinning grass and dirt into the air. The engine roared as he created trenches in the yard, tearing through dirt and grass. He turned right and brought them back onto the road.

Nat turned around, sure the homeowners loading the van would be screaming at the destruction of their front yard. Instead, they kept piling their vehicle as if nothing had happened.

Kad took a right at the end of the road. We have a full tank. Should be enough to get us there.

You're going to the school first?

He nodded, gripping the steering wheel tighter. After that, we get your Mom.

But that's downtown!

I know!

Nat twisted around in the seat, looking back toward Greeva. Two skyscrapers burned. A copter, flames wrapping around the tail, crashed into one building. The highway between them and the city clogged with traffic. Hundreds fled the chaos on foot, sprinting across the Bay Bridge and climbing over stopped cars. Screams echoed over the cacophony. To the left, an enemy fighter dropped low over the ocean, flying fast for the bridge. Glancing back to the surging crowd crossing between traffic, he clenched his teeth.

Two missiles dropped from the fighter's wing. A half-second later, they ignited and shot toward the bridge. They struck the primary foundations of the ancient structure—the path to so many celebrations of his youth when his family would head into town to watch the Overlords play or for Ma to see the opera. Stone and fire swirled together. A shockwave rippled from the foundations, disturbing the surrounding water, and the bridge hovered for a terrible, deadly instant.

And then it crashed. Support beams buckled and squealed under the strain as the structure split down the middle. Vehicles and people fell. Steel, blood, and bone came together, falling into the blackwater of Greeva Bay.

No! Nat shouted, thinking of his Ma downtown with no bridge route to make it home.

Kad glanced in his rearview mirror, his eyes bulging. Shaking his head, he focused on the traffic. We have to get to your sister.

But what about Ma?

Swallowing, Kad lowered his gaze and said, She'll have to fend for herself right now.

You can’t—

Enough, son! he snapped, wiping his cheek. You and Tressa are what matters now! It's what your Ma would want.

Leaning back, Nat folded his arms over his chest. He felt sick. He wanted to vomit. His teeth chattered as a shiver shot through his body. A few minutes ago, he was preparing to do his homework. Now, his world burned.

They turned on Fadra Avenue, the main road leading to Tressa's academy. Cars and trucks sped over the highway, swerving around slower vehicles and ignoring traffic regulations. A hovering hyperbike shot between a pickup and a sedan in a red blur. The front fender clipped a bumper, and the driver soared into the air, skipping across the pavement like a doll. The nearby grocery store lot looked like a street fight. Men and women struggled, filling their cars with food and water while fighting off would-be thieves. A toddler sat in a parking space, face drenched in tears, streaming as her tiny body shook.

Kad didn't slow, speeding through a traffic light. They missed striking a woman on a bicycle by a few feet.

Nat watched in stunned silence as his world came apart.

More laser bolts flashed to the distant west, raging across the afternoon sky like lightning. Everywhere he looked, the air filled with the invaders. Different, larger ships descended from the heavens. Shimmering hulls glowed in fire and smoke as they fell toward the surface. Bulky rectangular vessels, smaller than the others, rumbled through the clouds in packs, providing a stark contrast to the sleek shape of the fighters.

Sitting up straight, he tried to shake the confusion from his mind.

It was all really happening. It wasn't a nightmare.

He watched as artillery fire from Oshua bounced harmlessly off the larger vessels as they turned to land outside Greeva. The smaller ships set down on the rocky beach across the harbor near the smoldering remains of the military base. Squinting, he saw the doors drop and figures spill out onto the sand. A fierce firefight raged on the beach, but he couldn't see details, only laser fire and smoke.

There it is! Kad yelled, thrusting a finger toward the academy and ripping Nat's attention away from the scene in the distance. He breathed, Oh, no.

A twisting line of cars spilled out into the road. Vehicles clogged the academy parking lot. Many had their doors still open, abandoned in the river of steel.

What are we going to do? Nat asked.

Kad dug into his pocket for the phone and tossed it to him.

Try your sister again, he said, spinning the wheel toward the curb in front of the academy. He placed his hand over Nat's chest. Hold on!

The car collided with the curb, hard, and bounced into the air. The seatbelt dug into his shoulder. Kad gave it more gas, the tires ripping through the academy's front lawn as he drove toward the main entrance. Two students with faces blotchy and wet with tears, scattered and screamed as they drove past.

Turning to the phone, Nat dialed Tressa's number. No calls are going through!

Try again!

He did. Still nothing.

Kad slammed his fist on the wheel. All right, he said, rising in his seat and peering through the academy's windows as they drove. Do you have any idea what she'd be doing right now?

She doesn't talk to me, Da.

Think!

Nat shook his head. Try the auditorium or—

Wait! Kad pointed to a hyperbike near the grand staircase of the main entrance. That's Viper!

Nat frowned. Who?

The boy that took her to the assembly!

The memory flashed of Tressa's dance. The weird dude with the glowing cobalt eyes and fiery orange hair had driven a hyperbike when he’d picked up Tressa for the event. It had been his older sister's first date with a boy who could drive. Viper left with his hands slithering over Tressa's body. Nat's stomach turned.

Kad didn't wait for an answer. He yanked the wheel toward the staircase, accelerating through the grass and slamming on the brakes so hard the restraints dug into Nat's chest.

Viper scurried up three stairs, his jaw hanging open and a phone dropping from his hand.

The hell, man? he screeched, his voice cracking in a high-pitched wail. What are you doing, freak?

Hey! Kad yelled, jabbing his finger toward Viper. Where's Tressa?

The unnatural blue in his eyes grew brighter. Who?

My daughter!

Oh, right, yeah, don't get smashed, man. Okay? Just chill the—

Is she here?

Viper stepped down the stairs, his hands trembling. He looked around as if he expected to get arrested, oblivious to the invasion crashing around them. He glanced at the street and thrust his fingers into his mouth, chomping on the nails.

Don't get cheesed, man, but I left campus earlier to get charged, he said, hissing in a laugh like air releasing from a tire. She said she'd see me after when—

What class was she in? Kad pressed, looking to the towering plumes of smoke rising into the air.

Ah, right, lessons and stuff. Viper scratched his head. Dunno, man. I dropped out last quarter to work on my bikes. Think she said she'd be working on her art project or something like—

Kad slapped the car into drive and looked forward.

Wait! Viper yelled. You can't just leave me here! Some bad noise's happening! You can't leave me!

Pressing on the gas, Kad moved away from the stairs. Viper jumped into the back with a grunt.

Damn it! Kad spun around. What are you doing?

My friends ditched me, man!

I don't care.

Come on! I got nowhere to go without my Tressa!

Kad turned around, stomping on the gas. The engine strained as they sped through the campus. Viper unleashed a torrent of gratitude, but Nat understood little of the man's slang-filled ramblings as the wind drowned out most of his statements.

Nat leaned toward his father. Where are we going?

Art studio first. Kad glanced in the rearview mirror at Viper, his eyebrows lowering. Then we'll try her apartment.

His heart pounded, and he wiped sweat from his brow. He thought of the bridge collapsing from the enemy attack, the bridge leading to his mother. Greeva burned in a sea of flame. Somewhere in the center of the chaos, his mother was at work.

I'm scared, he whispered without thinking. I'm worried about Ma.

Me, too, Nat, he said, negotiating a sharp turn around the primary building at the academy. Try not to think about it and—

An invading fighter screamed overhead, flying as fast as a missile and masking Kad's final word. Nat ducked.

Easier said than done, he muttered.

If Kad heard him, he didn't respond. He drove to the front of the studio and put the vehicle in park.

Stay here, he said, staring at Nat for an instant. He looked at Viper and said, You're coming with me, buddy.

Why? he screamed. I don't even know what class she'd be in, man. I don't know anything about this jacked place. Everything—

Kad smacked him across the face with the back of his hand. The striking sound of flesh slapping together shocked Nat. His father had never hit him once in his life, even when he might have deserved it. He stared at the man next to him as if he was a stranger.

Viper recoiled like a child, flinching into the back seat.

You hit me, man!

Thrusting a finger in his face, Kad said, I'll do it again, too. Your head clear?

The fire in Viper's eyes faded. Yes, sir.

Kad nodded. Then come with me. We need to find her class.

Sliding his feet off the seat, Viper moved toward the door. Kad sighed and gripped Viper's leather coat, yanking him from the car.

Let's go! Kad yelled and looked at Nat. Get in the driver's seat and keep it running.

But I—

Just do it!

I’m not good with a stick!

Kad hesitated for a heartbeat. Time to improve.

Towing Viper like an angry child, Kad stomped into the academy's art studio and left Nat in the passenger seat.

His chest tightened as he opened the door and got out. His feet scuffed the pavement as he trudged around to the other side of the vehicle. As he sat in the driver's seat, he surveyed the once idyllic streets of the affluent suburb surrounding Tressa's academy. Colorful townhomes with grand white porches lined the grand boulevards.

A red convertible sped past the parking lot, back seat full of luggage and large boxes. The driver glanced in his direction, eyes bulging, sweat pouring down his face. The car swerved around a corner, right tires bouncing over the curb, and disappeared down a side street.

Nat turned back to the academy grounds, his heart thudding as looked back at the building. The front door was ajar thanks to book bags and discarded notebooks. Crumpled papers and a bright purple purse littered the primary staircase where they had picked up Viper. The frantic scene around the academy had dissipated, and now it appeared apocalyptic. Had most students and teachers fled for home? Even the streets, once packed with aggressive drivers and sprinting pedestrians, had suddenly emptied, filling the air with an eerie silence.

But over the idling engine, he still heard the distant rumble of monstrous craft filling the sky and the high-pitched spitting sound of laser fire.

Come on, he breathed, trembling fingers wrapping around the steering wheel. What's taking so long?

Glass shattered nearby, the crash jolting him. His ears buzzed as adrenaline surged through his body. Swinging around to his right, he watched a student dressed in a skin-tight leather one-piece the color of a cucumber removing the final shards of a bottom window from a studio classroom. Her neon pink hair fell around her shoulders like liquid candy as she used her elbow to knock the last sharp piece out of the way. She threw a black duffle bag out. Grabbing the top pane of glass, she hurled her legs through the opening and landed in the grass with the grace of a dancer. She stood, her violet eyes falling onto Nat.

Who are you? she asked, clutching the bag and pulling the strap around her shoulder.

I, uh— he stammered and paused. What are you doing?

She followed his gaze on the bag. I can't afford these supplies. Thought I'd make the most of whatever's going on to get me through the next quarter or two. What do you care?

He shook his head. I don't, uh, aren't you worried about the invasion?

With the word invasion, the girl stopped and stared at him. What are you talking about?

Nat pointed to the sky. We're being attacked.

She shrugged. You might be. Army's not going to care a bit about me.

No, it’s—

Kad burst through the double doors, towing Tressa behind him. Her straight black hair swirled around her face in a tangle. Viper followed like a lost dog, glancing around at each of them and appearing to consider running back to his hyperbike or staying with them.

I left my things back there, Da! Tressa squealed, yanking her hand free of Kad's grasp. Somebody's going to steal it and—

It doesn't matter! he yelled, grabbing her shoulders. We have to get out of the city!

Tressa's mouth dropped open. She looked to Nat, who could only offer a lopsided smile.

But we can't leave the city, she breathed. What about Ma?

Kad paused, upper teeth biting into his lip. We'll have to come back for her.

We can’t—

Tressa! he shouted. Let's go!

Nat put the car in reverse as his father stepped around to the side.

Tressa looked at Viper. Do you have your bike?

Is rain wet, babe? he asked in a painful attempt to sound cool.

She nodded, looking back at her father. I'm going with him.

Kad paused and stood on the running board, towering over them both. We'll be safer if we stick together.

Viper's good on the bike. We'll follow you.

Kad glared at Tressa. I don't think you understand what's going on. We don't have time to—

An engine blast shot through the suburb, the force thrusting through the trees. Leaves and twigs fell like snow across the academy grounds. One of the blocky vessels he'd seen before appeared low over the academy's polo grounds, hovering like a bird of prey.

What the hell is that? Viper asked, thrusting his finger toward the obvious.

Kad sat down. We need to go, son, he whispered, almost to himself as his attention fell on the landing ship. Get to the road.

The vessel hovered and spun eighty feet over the ground, dropping quicker with each second. Two enemy fighters zipped by in a whoosh, banking around the polo grounds as the other craft landed. Skids appeared under the hull and plunged into the immaculate grass. Two doors dropped on opposite sides of the vessel.

Nat swallowed, wondering for an instant if swarming alien insects would scurry down the ramps. Humanoids clad in red armor sprinted down the slope with precision, fierce rifles sweeping the perimeter. A leader in a crimson uniform trimmed with black marched down the left ramp behind the soldiers, touching his exposed ear and barking orders in a foreign language. Spinning around, he pointed a gloved hand in their direction.

Nat wanted to flee, the pressing need to get far away from the enemy troops filling his mind.

But he sat paralyzed in the driver’s seat.

Go! Kad yelled, slapping Nat's shoulder. He looked at Tressa. Come on!

Not without Viper!

Get in! Kad shouted without delay.

Slamming his foot on the gas, Nat backed away from the studio as Tressa and Viper jumped in the rear seat. The pink-haired girl tossed the duffle bag and ran behind them, reaching forward. Viper pulled her into the back seat with a grunt.

Who are you?

Gasping, the girl said, I'm Soola.

Soola? Tressa asked. The dual-enrollment, girl?

Yep. Are you Tressa, the genius scholar?

Whatever. Tressa leaned over Kad's shoulder. What's happening?

Hang on!

Nat stopped listening, the blood rushing in his ears drowning out all sound. He shifted gears, rough, the car bouncing across the grass. Laser bolts seared past, burning through the air. He glanced in his rearview. The enemy soldiers swarmed from the polo grounds like a virus spreading to the townhomes and the academy.

Don't look! Kad yelled, pointing to the right. Take this road north! We need to get out of the city!

With relief, Nat dropped into its highest gear and floored it. He weaved through the parked cars, glancing at families throwing luggage into their vehicles and hoisting small children into car seats.

Careful now, Kad said. You're doing great. Stay calm.

But remaining calm was the furthest thing from his mind. His palms sweated, slipping across the steering wheel. He gripped it harder. The traffic lessened as they sped toward the outskirts, most of the hordes rushing to grocery stores and fighting for food.

Nat stopped looking at the desperation. He'd seen enough, and his mind tuned it out. He paid attention only to his father's instructions leading them out of the city.

In a few minutes that seemed like hours, they had reached the two-lane road leaving the Greeva suburbs. The small highway split the farmlands surrounding the city, leading toward the northern mountains.

Creator's curse, Tressa breathed. Greeva ...

What? Kad asked, turning around and gasping.

Nat looked in the rearview mirror. His heart sank.

Flames as high as Greeva's skyscrapers towered over the city. The sky filled with black smoke as thick as a looming storm cloud. Laser fire flashed like lightning, but less than before. More fiery vessels broke through the atmosphere and descended into the chaos. In the distance, two of the small transport ships landed on the highway behind them. Enemy soldiers debarked, setting up roadblocks.

Tressa covered her mouth and wiped her cheeks. Ma ... our home ...

Putting his arm around her, Viper pulled her close. Not anymore.

His ominous words hung over the car as they drove into the wilderness.

CHAPTER TWO

The dark cabin with interlocking logs as thick as the car's tires appeared at the end of the winding mountain road. Cold air rushed into the open vehicle, helping Nat fight the weariness threatening to overtake him. When they shut off the engine, everyone inside the car sat in silence for a moment. Tressa inhaled deeply, rising from Viper's shoulder. The